The Toronto Raptors' game against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday was suspended in the second quarter after a speaker hanging over the stands caught fire.
Fans were ordered to leave the Scotiabank Arena with a little over four minutes left in the first half, with the Raptors leading 66-38 at that stage.
The Toronto Fire Department attended the scene and confirmed that nobody was injured, though the arena was cleared as a precautionary measure.
After a delay of more than an hour, play resumed without any spectators in attendance. Toronto issued an apology and vowed to refund those who had purchased tickets.